The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

by Ben Long, Sonja Schenk

Since the advent of digital video and desktop editing software, scores of independent producers have become equipped to make their own movies. But because filmmaking involves much more than just buying a camera and a computer, there's The Digital Filmmaking Handbook. This one-stop digital filmmaking resource will guide you from your initial idea to getting your finished project "in the can." It will show you how to create shots and effects that are rarely associated with low-budget productions. And it covers everything from writing and pre-production planning to shooting and post-production editing and effects. Now in its third edition, this best-selling book has been completely updated and revised to include detailed information on a number of important new digital video technologies, including both high-end HD video and the new HDV format, and affordable new digital video standard that lets even low-budget producers work in high-definition video. All of the chapters have been revised to cover the latest hardware, software, and production workflows,, and new exercises offer help with everything from writing to special effects. Whether your goal is an industrial project, a short subject for your Web site, or a feature-length movie for a film festival, this book will help you understand the questions you need to ask, so that you will be prepared to solve the myriad problems that will arise.

Genres: Film, Reference, Nonfiction, Photography

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Stacey Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly helpful resource for not only creating high-quality digital shorts, but also provides a comprehensive overview of how a digital camera works and how to create cinematic looks with relatively accessible supplies. Also some wonderful nuggets in there about nonlinear video editing. It definitely makes the film-making process much less daunting.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good INTRO to film, but dated and a lot of it just isn't relevant anymore. But good introductions to the basics like editing, shot placement, equipment, and lighting.

[Brent Barnard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine book, but I realized I don't have the time or the resources right now to jump into this demanding field, even as a hobby.